Values

The values of Lifelink Memphis define how we work together to achieve our vision and mission. We consider them as important for any Biblical church community.

Kingdom of God

We are passionate about proclaiming God’s kingdom rule on earth through His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. We recognize that God’s kingdom has not fully come, for not every knee has bowed nor every tongue confessed Jesus as Lord, but we still long for and pray for God’s kingdom to come on earth today as it is in heaven.

(Matt 12:28; 28:19; Eph 1:19-23; Col 1:15; Rom 14:17; Phil 2:9-11; Matt 6:10)

The Church

It might seem obvious for a local church to value the Church, but to specifically clarify what we mean by “church”: we do not define it as a building, the regular programs, or a certain time period we meet together on Sunday. Rather, as the people of God, the body of Christ, the Bride, or as the Greek word simply translates, the “called out ones”. This reflects our high value of the universal or “catholic” church, the Church with a capital C. We often refer to Lifelink Memphis as a local congregation of the Church.

(1 Pet 2:9-10; Eph 5:23, 25-27; Rev 21:2)

Global Vision

God’s intention is to bring into being a people whose interest and concern for His kingdom purpose would reach to the far corners of the world.

(Gen 12:1-3; Is 49:6; Hab 2:14; Acts 1:8)

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is God and is personal. He teaches, He speaks, and we can fellowship with Him. We value the baptism of the Spirit that all believers might be empowered to serve God effectively with gifting, reach our hurting world and live out the abundant life of Christ. We also recognize the need to be continually filled with the Spirit. We look to see the fruit of the Spirit displayed in our daily lives as well as the gifts of the Spirit.

(Acts 5:3-4; Luke 12:12; Acts 13:2; 2 Cor 13:14; Eph 4:30; Acts 1:8; Eph 5:18; Gal 5:22-23; 1 Cor 12:4-11)

Community

Our heart is to emulate what we see being enacted by the New Testament early church. They were a community of believers devoting themselves to the apostolic teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They were intent on sharing life together. Within community, we also value a unity of purpose and heart within diverse peoples.

(Acts 2:42-47; Ps 133:1; John 17:23; Phil 2:1-4)

Love and Grace

The greatest attribute of the Christian life is love. We believe love is not just words, but more importantly, action. We are called to imitate our God who is a God of love. Christ called us to such a high calling and said the world would know us by our love for one another. Together with love, we know we are to be a people of grace. We are saved alone by grace (through faith) and we want to live grace-fully. As God has lavished His grace on us, we too want to lavish it to others.

(John 15:13; 1 John 4:8; Eph 5:1; John 13:34-35; 1 Cor 13:1-8; Gal 5:22; Eph 2:8-9; Heb 4:16)

Truth

We see Christ as God in the flesh as well as the Truth revealed. We also hold that the Bible is God-breathed and the final authority for all of life. Therefore, we look to study it as related to us by God the Holy Spirit and that God’s truth might shape our hearts, minds and lives.

(John 1:1, 14; 14:6; 2 Tim 3:16-17)

Ephesian 4 Ministries

We are told in Ephesians 4 that Christ has gifted certain people as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. The body of Christ needs evangelists, pastors and teachers, as well as apostles and prophets to accomplish all of God’s kingdom purposes. We see all five ministries essential to reach unity in the faith and the knowledge of Christ, becoming a mature body. Specifically, these gifted people are called to equip God’s people for ministry and serving in the body of Christ.

(Eph 4:11-13)

Servanthood Ministry

The most revolutionary act to humankind was expressed through the servant heart of Jesus when He gave Himself up on the cross for humanity. Greatness in the kingdom is through serving, not platform and publicity. True ministry, as God intended, happens when we take up the basin and towel as Jesus did, serving others.

(Mark 10:44-45; John 13:12-15)

Team Leadership

This is something quite different to democracy. As the Triune God works together as a team, so also does our leadership look to emulate this togetherness. There is a willingness to create an environment in which the leadership can all stand on level ground with variety of gifting and respect for the Holy Spirit to act as our guide in crucial decision-making and dialogue together.

(John 5:19; 14:26; Acts 13:1-3; 15:28)

Releasing and Empowering

God empowers the Church by providing gifted people in the Church to equip His people. Jesus demonstrated how the most gifted were not necessarily the most learned. The Church will never fulfill its mandate unless God’s people are unlocked and creatively released to play their part.

(1 Cor 14:26; Eph 4:12-13)

Accountability

By being immersed into the family of Christ, we are awakened to a greater sense of responsibility for one another and to one another. There is no room for independent power structures. We are in need of one another and our lives must be mutually submitted to each other.

(Ecc 4:9-12; 1 John 4:19-21)

Life of Ministry

Ministry does not only take place on Sunday in the building where the local congregation meets, nor is it only seen through “preaching the word”. All of Christ’s followers have been called; we have all been gifted and we are all called as ministers of reconciliation in our whole lives.

(Eph 4:1; Rom 12:6; 1 Cor 12:7; 2 Cor 5:18-20)

Worship

Worship is first and foremost our life response to God, not simply a time slot on Sunday. However, we look forward to our gathered times to express our worship and praise through music, tithing, serving, and hearing of the Word. We also see the importance of expressing our gifts as we assemble together, all that the body of Christ be edified.

(Rom 12:1-2; Ps 40:3; 47:6; 92:1-4; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16; 1 Cor 12:7; 14:26)

Godly Character

Developing and maintaining godly character is of high value. We are called to imitate the character of God and be transformed in our minds. We are called to be a people of integrity and demonstrate humility as we pursue Him and His righteousness in our lives.

(Matt 5:48; Eph 5:1; Rom 12:1-2; Col 3:5-17; Matt 6:33)